Pete Fontana
@tighthead22.bsky.social
Birder, ex Rugby Player and Chelsea supporter based in Stoke on Trent
Reposted by Pete Fontana
Norfolk Records Committee
Submissions still required for reports of Bee-eaters in 2025 at Cley 18th May, West Runton 1st June and Wells North Point Aug 8th.
If you were lucky enough to find these please submit details to [email protected]
Submissions still required for reports of Bee-eaters in 2025 at Cley 18th May, West Runton 1st June and Wells North Point Aug 8th.
If you were lucky enough to find these please submit details to [email protected]
February 10, 2026 at 6:21 AM
Norfolk Records Committee
Submissions still required for reports of Bee-eaters in 2025 at Cley 18th May, West Runton 1st June and Wells North Point Aug 8th.
If you were lucky enough to find these please submit details to [email protected]
Submissions still required for reports of Bee-eaters in 2025 at Cley 18th May, West Runton 1st June and Wells North Point Aug 8th.
If you were lucky enough to find these please submit details to [email protected]
Reposted by Pete Fontana
Norfolk Records Committee
Late autumn 2025 saw a large influx of Dusky Warblers to the county, details received for nine of these.
Submissions still needed for birds at Brancaster, Caister, Horsey, Waxham. Wells East Hills, Wells North Point, Winterton and Yarmouth
Late autumn 2025 saw a large influx of Dusky Warblers to the county, details received for nine of these.
Submissions still needed for birds at Brancaster, Caister, Horsey, Waxham. Wells East Hills, Wells North Point, Winterton and Yarmouth
February 10, 2026 at 6:13 AM
Norfolk Records Committee
Late autumn 2025 saw a large influx of Dusky Warblers to the county, details received for nine of these.
Submissions still needed for birds at Brancaster, Caister, Horsey, Waxham. Wells East Hills, Wells North Point, Winterton and Yarmouth
Late autumn 2025 saw a large influx of Dusky Warblers to the county, details received for nine of these.
Submissions still needed for birds at Brancaster, Caister, Horsey, Waxham. Wells East Hills, Wells North Point, Winterton and Yarmouth
Reposted by Pete Fontana
Shotgun shot Buzzard found nr Wigginton York. Reluctant to use shot leg , getting there, gently gently up,on a perch this morning. Any info to police and rspb investigations unit so it continues....
February 7, 2026 at 9:12 AM
Shotgun shot Buzzard found nr Wigginton York. Reluctant to use shot leg , getting there, gently gently up,on a perch this morning. Any info to police and rspb investigations unit so it continues....
Reposted by Pete Fontana
The RSPB has reported that seven satellite-tagged Hen Harriers are suspected or confirmed to have been illegally killed in England during 2025, all on or close to land managed for grouse shooting:
Seven satellite-tagged Hen Harriers lost on English grouse moors in 2025
The RSPB has announced that seven satellite-tagged Hen Harriers are suspected or confirmed to have been illegally killed in England during 2025, renewing calls for licensing of all gamebird shooting to tackle raptor persecution.
bit.ly
January 30, 2026 at 7:11 AM
The RSPB has reported that seven satellite-tagged Hen Harriers are suspected or confirmed to have been illegally killed in England during 2025, all on or close to land managed for grouse shooting:
Reposted by Pete Fontana
Good news!
High Court throws out Moorland Association's legal challenge against new burning regulations in England ⚖️🌍
New blog ⬇️
raptorpersecutionuk.org/2026/01/28/h...
High Court throws out Moorland Association's legal challenge against new burning regulations in England ⚖️🌍
New blog ⬇️
raptorpersecutionuk.org/2026/01/28/h...
High Court throws out Moorland Association’s legal challenge against new burning regulations
Some good news! This morning, the Moorland Association’s legal challenge against Defra’s new burning regulations (which restrict burning on deep peat) has been thrown out by the High Co…
raptorpersecutionuk.org
January 28, 2026 at 1:08 PM
Good news!
High Court throws out Moorland Association's legal challenge against new burning regulations in England ⚖️🌍
New blog ⬇️
raptorpersecutionuk.org/2026/01/28/h...
High Court throws out Moorland Association's legal challenge against new burning regulations in England ⚖️🌍
New blog ⬇️
raptorpersecutionuk.org/2026/01/28/h...
Reposted by Pete Fontana
Seven sacks of dead Pheasants dumped by side of road in S Lanarkshire.
Dodgy ethics aside, no need to worry about the mandatory biosecurity measures that everyone, including gamebird shoot managers, are supposed to comply with, eh? #AvianFlu
New blog ⬇️
raptorpersecutionuk.org/2026/01/26/s...
Dodgy ethics aside, no need to worry about the mandatory biosecurity measures that everyone, including gamebird shoot managers, are supposed to comply with, eh? #AvianFlu
New blog ⬇️
raptorpersecutionuk.org/2026/01/26/s...
Seven sacks of dead Pheasants dumped by side of road in South Lanarkshire
Seven sacks of dead Pheasants have been dumped by the side of the road at two locations (3km apart) near Stonehouse, South Lanarkshire earlier this month (many thanks to the blog reader who sent in…
raptorpersecutionuk.org
January 26, 2026 at 5:48 PM
Seven sacks of dead Pheasants dumped by side of road in S Lanarkshire.
Dodgy ethics aside, no need to worry about the mandatory biosecurity measures that everyone, including gamebird shoot managers, are supposed to comply with, eh? #AvianFlu
New blog ⬇️
raptorpersecutionuk.org/2026/01/26/s...
Dodgy ethics aside, no need to worry about the mandatory biosecurity measures that everyone, including gamebird shoot managers, are supposed to comply with, eh? #AvianFlu
New blog ⬇️
raptorpersecutionuk.org/2026/01/26/s...
Reposted by Pete Fontana
Slightly random one...
Wondering if there might be a Manchester/Salford birder who might be thinking of heading over for the Speke grackle tomorrow (maybe the roost?), please drop us a DM 👍 (...and if you've got a spare pair of bins, even better 😉😂).
Thanks v much, Mark
#manchesterbirders
#grackle
Wondering if there might be a Manchester/Salford birder who might be thinking of heading over for the Speke grackle tomorrow (maybe the roost?), please drop us a DM 👍 (...and if you've got a spare pair of bins, even better 😉😂).
Thanks v much, Mark
#manchesterbirders
#grackle
January 25, 2026 at 7:58 PM
Slightly random one...
Wondering if there might be a Manchester/Salford birder who might be thinking of heading over for the Speke grackle tomorrow (maybe the roost?), please drop us a DM 👍 (...and if you've got a spare pair of bins, even better 😉😂).
Thanks v much, Mark
#manchesterbirders
#grackle
Wondering if there might be a Manchester/Salford birder who might be thinking of heading over for the Speke grackle tomorrow (maybe the roost?), please drop us a DM 👍 (...and if you've got a spare pair of bins, even better 😉😂).
Thanks v much, Mark
#manchesterbirders
#grackle
Reposted by Pete Fontana
We're looking for a couple of full-time field surveyors. If you know your birds, don't mind a bit of physical graft, and are based in Scotland (or want to be), then fire in an application. #Jobs #Scotland #Ecology #Birds
www.countryside-jobs.com/job/feb26/bi...
www.countryside-jobs.com/job/feb26/bi...
January 23, 2026 at 1:09 PM
We're looking for a couple of full-time field surveyors. If you know your birds, don't mind a bit of physical graft, and are based in Scotland (or want to be), then fire in an application. #Jobs #Scotland #Ecology #Birds
www.countryside-jobs.com/job/feb26/bi...
www.countryside-jobs.com/job/feb26/bi...
Reposted by Pete Fontana
Attention birders! @spurnbirdobs.bsky.social have launched an urgent appeal to protect the Little Tern colony, one of the most successful in the UK. An unexpected funding gap means they need funds sharpish - a few quid goes a long way!
Donate: tinyurl.com/2s3k5exe
Learn more: tinyurl.com/2cnc9br4
Donate: tinyurl.com/2s3k5exe
Learn more: tinyurl.com/2cnc9br4
Donate to Save the Beacon Ponds Little Tern Project, organized by Spurn Bird Obs
Without urgent support, the Beacon Ponds Little Tern Project may not be able … Spurn Bird Obs needs your support for Save the Beacon Ponds Little Tern Project
tinyurl.com
January 23, 2026 at 3:32 PM
Attention birders! @spurnbirdobs.bsky.social have launched an urgent appeal to protect the Little Tern colony, one of the most successful in the UK. An unexpected funding gap means they need funds sharpish - a few quid goes a long way!
Donate: tinyurl.com/2s3k5exe
Learn more: tinyurl.com/2cnc9br4
Donate: tinyurl.com/2s3k5exe
Learn more: tinyurl.com/2cnc9br4
Reposted by Pete Fontana
Reposted by Pete Fontana
If you can support the appeal, or help by sharing it more widely, we would be incredibly grateful.
You can donate here:
👉 gofund.me/31d302f20
Please help us give Little Terns at Beacon Ponds the protection they need in 2026.
You can donate here:
👉 gofund.me/31d302f20
Please help us give Little Terns at Beacon Ponds the protection they need in 2026.
Donate to Save the Beacon Ponds Little Tern Project, organized by Spurn Bird Obs
Without urgent support, the Beacon Ponds Little Tern Project may not be able … Spurn Bird Obs needs your support for Save the Beacon Ponds Little Tern Project
gofund.me
January 19, 2026 at 3:52 PM
If you can support the appeal, or help by sharing it more widely, we would be incredibly grateful.
You can donate here:
👉 gofund.me/31d302f20
Please help us give Little Terns at Beacon Ponds the protection they need in 2026.
You can donate here:
👉 gofund.me/31d302f20
Please help us give Little Terns at Beacon Ponds the protection they need in 2026.
Reposted by Pete Fontana
We're seeking at least two wardens to protect Cemlyn’s internationally important tern colony, protect biodiversity and engage with people. Find out more 👉 www.northwaleswildlifetrust.org.uk/jobs/cemlyn-warden
Salary: £22,293
Closing date: Monday 2 February
Salary: £22,293
Closing date: Monday 2 February
January 20, 2026 at 9:54 AM
We're seeking at least two wardens to protect Cemlyn’s internationally important tern colony, protect biodiversity and engage with people. Find out more 👉 www.northwaleswildlifetrust.org.uk/jobs/cemlyn-warden
Salary: £22,293
Closing date: Monday 2 February
Salary: £22,293
Closing date: Monday 2 February
Reposted by Pete Fontana
I'm in need of a new bridge camera. Don't suppose anyone has Canon SX70 tucked away in the cupboard they no longer use and looking to sell? Good working order. Thanks
#birdinggear
#birdinggear
January 18, 2026 at 5:20 PM
I'm in need of a new bridge camera. Don't suppose anyone has Canon SX70 tucked away in the cupboard they no longer use and looking to sell? Good working order. Thanks
#birdinggear
#birdinggear
Reposted by Pete Fontana
Sign here to voice your disgust at the annual Guga slaughter. Gannets are magnificent and this old ‘tradition’ needs to end.
petitions.parliament.scot/petitions/PE...
petitions.parliament.scot/petitions/PE...
Petition: Stop the Guga Hunt
Calling on the Scottish Parliament to urge the Scottish Government to amend Section 16 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 to remove the power to grant licences for taking Gannets on Sula Sgeir.
petitions.parliament.scot
January 19, 2026 at 7:46 PM
Sign here to voice your disgust at the annual Guga slaughter. Gannets are magnificent and this old ‘tradition’ needs to end.
petitions.parliament.scot/petitions/PE...
petitions.parliament.scot/petitions/PE...
Reposted by Pete Fontana
It’s time to end the Guga hunt.
January 11, 2026 at 3:00 PM
It’s time to end the Guga hunt.
Reposted by Pete Fontana
Every time you eat farmed salmon you are effectively starving whales and penguins.
insideclimatenews.org/news/1101202...
insideclimatenews.org/news/1101202...
Scientists Call for More Marine Protected Areas in the Southern Ocean - Inside Climate News
As climate change and commercial fishing threaten krill, the crustaceans that fuel Antarctica’s entire food web, scientists and advocates say those responsible for protecting Antarctica’s marine life ...
insideclimatenews.org
January 11, 2025 at 5:20 PM
Every time you eat farmed salmon you are effectively starving whales and penguins.
insideclimatenews.org/news/1101202...
insideclimatenews.org/news/1101202...
Reposted by Pete Fontana
I’m selling my fully working Nikon P900 Bridge camera comes with 1 original battery, charging cable and Lowepro Case. Asking price is £300. DM me if interested 😃
January 9, 2026 at 6:08 PM
I’m selling my fully working Nikon P900 Bridge camera comes with 1 original battery, charging cable and Lowepro Case. Asking price is £300. DM me if interested 😃
Reposted by Pete Fontana
Lincolnshire Police are asking for help: who might own a pack of foxhounds misusing a level crossing, causing a passenger train to emergency brake and killing two dogs. Someone on horseback may be a witness, apparently. It's a mystery!
@protectthewild.bsky.social
www.lincs.police.uk/news/lincoln...
@protectthewild.bsky.social
www.lincs.police.uk/news/lincoln...
Saxilby - Misuse of a level crossing
We are appealing for information after one, maybe two dogs died
www.lincs.police.uk
January 8, 2026 at 9:34 PM
Lincolnshire Police are asking for help: who might own a pack of foxhounds misusing a level crossing, causing a passenger train to emergency brake and killing two dogs. Someone on horseback may be a witness, apparently. It's a mystery!
@protectthewild.bsky.social
www.lincs.police.uk/news/lincoln...
@protectthewild.bsky.social
www.lincs.police.uk/news/lincoln...
Reposted by Pete Fontana
They mostly gave quiet contact calls, but one gave a series of loud whistles. It’s not the classic ‘toot’, but I don’t recall hearing such a strident call from a British Bullfinch before. Anyone have experience of this call? #NEbirding #birds
January 8, 2026 at 7:51 PM
They mostly gave quiet contact calls, but one gave a series of loud whistles. It’s not the classic ‘toot’, but I don’t recall hearing such a strident call from a British Bullfinch before. Anyone have experience of this call? #NEbirding #birds
Reposted by Pete Fontana
New cycle tracks on the Towy Valley,dog shit bags left on gate posts,take the fucking things home and dispose of them
January 8, 2026 at 9:54 AM
New cycle tracks on the Towy Valley,dog shit bags left on gate posts,take the fucking things home and dispose of them
Reposted by Pete Fontana
For sale
Magenta bat5 bat detector inc hard case, immaculate condition, only used a handful of times. £80
Magenta bat5 bat detector inc hard case, immaculate condition, only used a handful of times. £80
January 5, 2026 at 9:44 PM
For sale
Magenta bat5 bat detector inc hard case, immaculate condition, only used a handful of times. £80
Magenta bat5 bat detector inc hard case, immaculate condition, only used a handful of times. £80
Reposted by Pete Fontana
Saw this Black-headed Gull at Westport Lake today. Not sure there is enough info on the ring to send off but does anyone recognise the text? Not a UK ring I think
January 4, 2026 at 4:31 PM
Saw this Black-headed Gull at Westport Lake today. Not sure there is enough info on the ring to send off but does anyone recognise the text? Not a UK ring I think
Reposted by Pete Fontana
A colleague has found a somewhat convincing candidate for Urtica membranacea on her #NewYearPlantHunt. Potentially a NCR if so! Flattened male flower stems, two stipules at each node and looking just a little 'different'. Does anyone have experience with this one? 😶 @bsbibotany.bsky.social
January 3, 2026 at 11:20 AM
A colleague has found a somewhat convincing candidate for Urtica membranacea on her #NewYearPlantHunt. Potentially a NCR if so! Flattened male flower stems, two stipules at each node and looking just a little 'different'. Does anyone have experience with this one? 😶 @bsbibotany.bsky.social
Reposted by Pete Fontana
My Swarovski STS 65 HD scope, with 20-60 zoom is available, although lens caps missing. Comes with stay-on case (front lost its lower clip). Tripod available. Know any local young birders who may like it? - free of charge @landguardbo.bsky.social @landguardbirder.bsky.social @david-walsh.bsky.social
January 2, 2026 at 5:45 PM
My Swarovski STS 65 HD scope, with 20-60 zoom is available, although lens caps missing. Comes with stay-on case (front lost its lower clip). Tripod available. Know any local young birders who may like it? - free of charge @landguardbo.bsky.social @landguardbirder.bsky.social @david-walsh.bsky.social
Reposted by Pete Fontana
A new captive-breeding programme for Twite in England has produced its first young in captivity and could begin releasing birds into the wild in 2026, in a bid to halt the species' severe decline:
Twite conservation project aims for releases of captive-bred birds
A Twite captive-breeding project in Staffordshire has raised young birds in captivity and is evaluating potential release sites in England for 2026 to bolster the rapidly declining breeding population.
bit.ly
December 26, 2025 at 9:56 AM
A new captive-breeding programme for Twite in England has produced its first young in captivity and could begin releasing birds into the wild in 2026, in a bid to halt the species' severe decline: